applecarplay

Hi All,

I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?

Thanks in advance!

Chefcct

What is your MPG? You don't say...
You said in your post you drive---5 miles each way, that is 10 miles per day times 7 days is 70 miles total. You have to fill up after 70 miles???

I get about 21 in the city and about 25 on the highway. 4-matic version...
Driving very moderately.
I go about 350 to 400 miles between fill-ups.

applecarplay

As I mainly do city drive, the MPG I got is around 17. Sometimes I drive extra 20 miles after work. I just don't like paying $50 per week just for fuel. What's your opinion in terms of comparing gas model and diesel model?

Chefcct

People say they love the diesel also...QUOTE=applecarplay;7965884]As I mainly do city drive, the MPG I got is around 17. Sometimes I drive extra 20 miles after work. I just don't like paying $50 per week just for fuel. What's your opinion in terms of comparing gas model and diesel model?[/QUOTE]

applecarplay

Ya, I see many people say that. That's why I am sort of regretting. But is diesel as reliable as gas? Especially I do short distance drive?

Chefcct

I think they are both reliable.

mfab

I've averaged just under 30 mpg in mixed driving on the 300d. We have the heated steering wheel, LED headlights, surround view camera/parkronic, CarPlay, Distronic, and real leather -- so probably better equipped than most GLE's out there.

The diesel is great (really special) on longer highway runs, not 5-6 mile commutes. A hybrid is best for that.

Good luck.

/

applecarplay

Seems like your car is fully loaded, I wish I could have LED headlights. Do you see your car has higher maintenance cost or more expensive repair cost comparing to gas?

mjhawkins2346

Well, I've had my '16 GLE300d - the diesel for a bit over a year and maybe 15,000 miles so a complete reliability assessment probably would take a few more years, but it has been 100% reliable having no problems. Just consumables - oil change, brakes, wiper blades, etc. I've been averaging similar mileage to the poster above with mileage in the mid-'30s on the road and mid-'20s in town My average mileage since reset is a little over 28 so I understand your pain but your usage might make for an unhappy diesel. It's best for highway driving close to half the time. The diesel has a regen cycle that cleans out the particulate filter every 300 miles or so I'm guessing. Some OP might have better details on that. It ups the fuel intake to burn out the filter and if it isn't done completely, maybe 20 miles of high speed, then the filter isn't cleaned and the excess fuel can wash down into the oil pan. It dilutes the oil and shortens its life - and your filter isn't clean either. It's a very rugged reliable engine with surprisingly good power but it isn't like the 80's diesels in that it does require a certain usage cycle to be happy.
As recommended by the OP, your usage might be best with the hybrid

mfab

I also have an E250 with the same engine and transmission. I'm coming up on 90K miles on the E250 and it's been a workhorse (and totally reliable). I would assume the 300d would be similarly reliable, but definitely need a lot more time and miles to know what we're dealing with. The E class diesel can go 800 miles on a tank, the GLE 300d maybe ~650 (but it's a larger capacity tank).

Ultimately, I expect the weak point on both to be the BlueTEC system (heater and tank) and the diesel particulate filter.

Because of all of the torque, the diesel runs at low RPMs, and you almost never get a downshift from the transmission (regardless of throttle inputs). You can climb hills at highway speed and it just cruises along at 1700 RPMs. Very mellow and very nice. It makes the car very civilized to drive compared to the gas car. That said, I can't recommend buying a diesel for a 5 mile commute, it's just not it's strength.

Good luck.

/

SUV John

I wouldn't even suggest the diesel model SUV, as some have suggested, but rather a C or E class sedan (if you want to stay with Mercedes) for a shorter daily commute vehicle that offers better mileage. I've seen estimates of $1000+ for tuneups that involve something more than an oil change such as spark plugs, a brake fluid change, and a transmission fluid change, so for spending "as less as possible" Mercedes isn't it. From Fords, to a Lexus RX330, to now a GLE350 it has been a bit of a shock to see maintenance estimates this high just for the privilege of owning Mercedes. My choice of vehicle was driven by not wanting a large pickup truck to tow a camper with, and conceded to just average gas mileage, having to accept paying a dealer for anything I can't do myself.
Mine is a dual fuel vehicle so to lower the fill-up cost, I have been comfortable with a 50/50 E85 and premium mix. The dealer and manual does says that any combination or 100% of each is ok, but the trade-off is a lower MPG rate.
Again, I bought mine to be a workhorse, but I too wish maintenance costs were lower and fuel economy was higher. Having said that, even with the HID light kit I will put in to replace halogen bulbs, I am happy with the handling, acceleration, and overall drive-ability of my 2016 GLE350.

2012MLBlue

My 2016 350d has averaged 27.6 mpg since new in mixed driving and gets over 30 mpg at relaxed speed highway driving or country roads. Diesels though are not good for short commutes or lots of cold start short drives as noted above. They need to come up to full operating temp and like to be run hard a little now and then. I do this with full throttle passing on 2 lane roads when the opportunity presents itself (a few times a week at least). My 2016 still looks brand new, doesn't have a mark on it and I think it will hold its value as the last year of the available 6 cylinder diesels. I also have CarPlay and love it, use it for many things daily and combined with Apple Music playlists, podcasts, Waze for navigation, its a great tool.

drwolf

Thanks for making this thread OP

I know this may have been answered. For the GLE300D is it a good car to have as a daily driver? my commute is 60 miles per day

BulldogGLE

A diesel wont help much in a short commute in city traffic. My wife has our GLE 350d and typical fill up is monthly with a similar daily commute as yours. My 6.2L V8 Yukon Denali land yacht only needs a monthly fill with a ~4 mile round trip daily commute for me so I am not sure how you need to fill up weekly.
Have you tried Costco to get better pricing on fuel if there is one nearby? Alternatively, you may want to seek out a hybrid as others have suggested.

Roni07

Same here , gas guzzler costs me $50 every 5 days. Such a shame. So much for advanced technology.

SUV John

Speaking of technology, I recently looked at the rated mpg of a 2020 GLE350 and if I recall it was at 19 city and 26 highway for a 4-cylinder turbo. The GLE450 was 2-4 mpg less. While I wish for better mileage at times, I bought it to eliminate a pickup truck to tow a camper with.
Not to pick on any one person, but with mileage estimates readily available, it's hard to believe that there are some out there who are caught by surprise at the what these vehicles get.

Polling campers, for example, the average they get towing is around 10 mpg. So when I see a pickup towing a camper, and I'm getting 10 mpg with 1/2 E85 and 1/2 tank premium up to 12 mpg on average with all premium, I'm satisfied I'm on par with what the average is. The cost of things like brake jobs and oil changes is another story...

Roni07

Was reading Car and Driver, the new MB 2020 GLS guzzles like crazy in comparison to BMW 7 - which does 6miles per gallon better. So there is advanced technology working for you. I’m other words MB doesn’t care about fuel economy or gas prices. I’ll make sure that I never come near or in contact with an other MB vehicle ever. Such a lame company. Clearly MB doesn’t give a damn about he environment and loved polluting the air.